Summer, spring, winter, and fall…no matter the time or temperature, the old adage is true: we all scream for ice cream. There’s nothing like a truly old-fashioned quality scoop, or a really unique flavor to bring a smile to your day. In this article we’ll take a deep dive into the best ice cream trucks New York has to offer. These aren’t just your run-of-the-mill ice cream stops, they bring the “wow” factor to your frozen treats. 

Let’s kick off the list with a classic. Carvel was “born” in 1929, when proprietor Tom Carvel’s truck broke down on a summer day and the ice cream began to melt. As he feverishly sold his softening stock, people clamored for more. Thus, the origin story of “soft serve” and the start of an empire that brought us iconic cultural touchstones such as Cookie Puss and Fudgie the Whale. 

Carvel continues the tradition with an ice cream truck that serves sundaes, cones, thick shakes, Dashers, and double cones (including waffle cones). A great choice for nostalgia lovers and fans of good ice cream alike. 

Mister Softee is the largest operator of soft-serve ice cream trucks. Their creamy formula has been around since the 1950s, and is known for refreshing customers even in the hottest weather. Still family owned, their trucks bring an old-fashioned charm to parties, picnics, or fundraisers. 

Mister Softee ice cream is a bringer of timeless joys, and reminiscent of simpler times. Soft serve twists come in a variety of flavors that can be enjoyed in a cup or a cone, and dipped into sprinkles for a hit of fun and texture. 

Big Gay Ice Cream is a local sensation that has taken hold all over the country, but has never wavered from their mission to keep the fun in ice cream. Whimsical flavors and names make their quality ice cream treats a delight to enjoy on a variety of levels. From the Salty Pimp to the Rocky Roadhouse, these iconic treats will bring joy to your day. 

You can also choose from a roster of floats, shakes, cones, and sundaes. There are even special treats that change seasonally. And as if all this deliciousness wasn’t enough, by hiring the Big Gay Ice Cream truck, you will be supporting charitable communities including LGBTQIA+ organizations, animal shelters, homeless and hunger initiatives, education, and more. 

Do you crave ice cream, but don’t eat animal products? No problem! Van Leeuwen offers ice cream indulgences that are both vegan and free from gums, stabilizers, corn syrup, and milk powder. They also offer traditional ice creams made in a variety of flavors, and with top-quality ingredients. Their vegan selections are created with a cashew milk or oat milk base, and are just as delicious as the cow-milk versions. 

You can enjoy any of their flavors in a cup or cone, sprinkle them with toppings, or make them the base of an ice cream sandwich or sundae. Van Leeuwen is available for catering for any event, from weddings to festivals. Give your attendees the freedom of choice with an ice cream company that offers delicious choices for vegans. 

Is there anything more 90s than the original “space age” ice cream? These tiny frozen ice cream balls are a cheerful add to any event, and come in a huge variety of flavors. Also available are add-ins like cookie dough, brownie bits, and chocolate sandwich cookies. The frozen dots and add-ins can create any number of treats to satisfy the eyes (so colorful!) and the palate (so tasty!). 

Because Dippin Dots are not exactly your traditional ice cream, their site also offers a ton of fun ways to use the dots for recipes–cocktails, lattes, milkshakes, and seasonal kid-friendly projects. Dippin Dots are a unique way to bring a lighthearted spin to anything from a corporate event to a birthday party. 

Cold Stone became a cultural icon when they began mixing their creamy ice cream base with a series of wild add-ins on a chilled marble slab. They offer their same quality ingredients and exciting combinations on the go with their Cold Stone ice cream truck. You can cater a party or plan your next event with a series of shakes, ice cream treats, and cakes that not only offer Insta-worthy pictures, but taste amazing as well. 

Any event is made better by the presence of ice cream. People want dessert, and you won’t find a dessert with a bigger consensus than ice cream. Give the people what they want, and hire one of the many classic or unique ice cream trucks available in the NYC area for your next big occasion.